One of the most imposing figures to play on the offensive line in Pitt history is now a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Jimbo Covert, who starred at Freedom High School in Beaver County and then for the Panthers from 1978-1982 before a standout career with the Chicago Bears, got his gold jacket Friday night, and saw his bust revealed Saturday evening in Canton, Ohio.
“I never had to look far for role models, because they were right down the hall,” Covert said. “My dad, like my grandfather before him, worked at Armco Steel in Ambridge, Pennsylvania for 34 years.
“I remember once, he took me into the hot milli in June, and I was ten years old. He said ‘son, you never want to come here.’”
Covert never had to.
In three seasons as a starting tackle at Pitt, the Panthers went 31-5. He allowed three sacks during that time and was named a consensus All-American following his junior year.
“I was fortunate enough to play for the University of Pittsburgh,” saiid Covert. “Hail to Pitt!
“Pitt is an incredible place and I played with some of the greatest college football players of all time on some of the greatest teams of all time.”
In 2015, Pitt retired Covert’s No. 75 jersey.
Despite his deep allegiances to his alma mater, Covert was presented into enshrinement by former Chicago teammate Matt Suhey, a Penn State grad.
“Matt, I’m proud to have you as my presenter, even though you went to Penn State,” Covert joked. “I always say that my favorite weekend is when Penn State, Notre Dame and Green Bay all lose.”
With the Bears, he made 110 career starts, was a two-time First Team All-Pro selection, and was a member of Chicago’s Super Bowl XX winning team.